What Causes Dry Mouth: Symptoms And Natural Solutions For Cotton Mouth

Cotton Mouth Symptoms

Cotton mouth or xerostomia refers to a disorder in which the salivary glands inside the mouth fail to produce saliva in sufficient amount, leading to a constant feeling of dryness inside the mouth. Since saliva plays a crucial role in digesting food and cleansing away food particles from the gums and the gaps between the teeth, cotton mouth can cause complications in digestions and oral infections. In the absence of enough saliva in the mouth, the tooth enamel also becomes vulnerable to wear and tear, which increases the chances of periodontal diseases. It also causes discomfort and difficulty in speaking and eating. The main reasons behind this condition are the consumption of certain forms of medicines in combination, excessive smoking or drinking, drug abuse, prolonged exposure to radiation therapy, stress, trauma and ageing.

Natural Solutions For Dry Mouth

There are a few home natural remedies that you may try at home to treat this problem. Drink herbal teas like chamomile or ginger, as they induce the salivary glands and relieve the sensation of acute dryness inside the mouth. Sucking on a few ice cubes at regular intervals is also supposed to stimulate increased production of saliva. It is also recommended that you drink at least 10 glasses of water every day, so that your oral cavity remains well hydrated at all times. You must, however, stay away from carbonated soft drinks, as they are highly acidic in nature and cause the mouth to become drier. Instead, sip on unsweetened homemade fruit juices regularly throughout the day to keep your mouth sufficiently moist. Sucking a sugar-free candy or chewing mint-based gum also helps promote increased production of saliva. Swishing the mouth at regular intervals with a solution of a teaspoon of baking soda added to a glass of water also helps. Brushing your mouth with toothpaste containing fluoride or using a fluoride-based mouthwash is another natural solution for dryness of mouth. It is also suggested that you eat mushy foods like boiled vegetable soups and food with gravy or sauce. You should also make it a habit to avoid breathing in through your mouth, as this causes the oral cavity to dry up further. You should stay away from citrus fruits and foods that are too salty. It also helps to keep your immediate surroundings well hydrated by using a humidifier so that the air you breathe in is sufficiently humid to prevent your mouth from becoming too dry.